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Bosch AT, Sander JW, Thijs RD. Antiseizure Medications and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: An Updated Review. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:807-817. [PMID: 39112912 PMCID: PMC11377662 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is responsible for most epilepsy-related deaths. It is mainly related to unwitnessed nocturnal convulsions, either focal to bilateral or generalised tonic-clonic seizures (TCS). Targeted preventive strategies are currently lacking as underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) modulate SUDEP risk through seizure reduction, but it is yet undetermined whether individual ASMs or other medications could also influence the internal SUDEP cascade. Seizure detection devices (SDD) may offer an alternative strategy by preventing TCS from being unwitnessed. Here, we critically evaluated the current evidence on the influence of ASMs, non-epilepsy concomitant drugs and SDD on SUDEP occurrence. We found no robust evidence for the effect of starting ASMs on SUDEP beyond TCS control, but we found some indications of a protective effect for polytherapy. We found no signs that specific ASMs exert a risk for SUDEP. One study suggested a possible protective effect of levetiracetam requiring further investigation. Only a few small studies addressed the association between non-epilepsy concomitant drugs and SUDEP, with no consistent effect for psychotropic medications and one more extensive study suggesting a lower risk among statin users. We only found indirect evidence indicating a protective effect for enhancing nocturnal supervision without explicitly addressing the impact of SDD on SUDEP occurrence. Further work is needed to explore the potential of ASMs and other interventions to modulate SUDEP risk, and they should accurately account for TCS frequency, polypharmacy and markers of non-adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anemoon T Bosch
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW, Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW, Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 0RJ, UK
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Roland D Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW, Heemstede, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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2
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Homiack DR, Yan LE, Petry LG, Lloyd JR, Najjar F, Cook EH. Successful Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Patient With Catatonia and Maternal Duplication 15q11-13 Syndrome. J ECT 2024:00124509-990000000-00178. [PMID: 38968439 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The 15q11-q13 chromosomal region contains genes encoding for GABA-A receptor subunits and is a known region of epigenetic modification associated with the development of neurodevelopmental disorders. The presence of at least one additional copy of the maternal 15q11-q13 results in a syndrome (maternal dup15q) characterized by intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, and epilepsy. Catatonia is a serious syndrome of behavioral and motor dysfunction, which occurs across a variety of psychiatric, neurologic, and general medical conditions, which has successfully been treated with benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy. In this case report, we describe the treatment course of a patient with established maternal dup 15q with comorbid intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar mood disorder, and juvenile epilepsy who developed hypokinetic catatonia refractory to high-dose benzodiazepine therapy. In contrast with benzodiazepine treatment, electroconvulsive therapy resulted in rapid improvement in catatonic symptoms and return to premorbid baseline. This case suggests that electroconvulsive therapy can be safely delivered for some patients with maternal dup 15q and may be rapidly effective when benzodiazepine treatment results in inadequate symptom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damek R Homiack
- From the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Lulu E Yan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Luke G Petry
- From the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jenifer R Lloyd
- From the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Fedra Najjar
- From the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Edwin H Cook
- From the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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3
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Rogers-Hammond R, Howell C. An integrated action plan to fund and support drug development for Dup15q syndrome: a patient organization perspective. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2024; 5:26330040241234932. [PMID: 38450288 PMCID: PMC10916487 DOI: 10.1177/26330040241234932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Maternal 15q11.2-13.1 duplication syndrome, or Dup15q syndrome (Dup15q), is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder affecting as many as 1 in 5000 to 1 in 20,000 children worldwide. Autism and seizures are two of the most commonly observed phenotypes in Dup15q, with intellectual disability, hypotonia, gastrointestinal distress, and substantial fine and gross motor deficits also commonly reported. The community that is now known as the Dup15q Alliance started in 1994 as a small group of families raising children with chromosome 15q duplications. Originally named IsoDicentric 15 Exchange, Advocacy and Support (IDEAS), the group received official nonprofit organization status 10 years later and rebranded to its current name, Dup15q Alliance, shortly thereafter. Today, there are over 2200 families affiliated with Dup15q Alliance, with an average intake of 10 new families each month. Historically, Dup15q Alliance has provided the community with access to family and caregiver resources in addition to serving as a repository for basic educational information about Dup15q and research developments. The recent installation of a dedicated director of scientific and clinical initiatives alongside other infrastructural changes has now primed the Dup15q Alliance to expand its scientific footprint by funding cutting-edge research, supporting clinical sites and trials, and investing in novel therapeutics that have the potential to change the reality of a Dup15q syndrome diagnosis. To do this, we have developed the LEARN. TREAT. CURE. program to align initiatives, fast-track progress, and bring hope and reality into coexistence. Briefly, we seek to learn as much as we can about the syndrome through cutting-edge research, natural history studies, and patient registry utilization, identify and develop methods to treat the symptoms of our patient community, with the ultimate goal of developing a cure for the disease-causing symptoms of the syndrome.
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4
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Buerki SE, Haas C, Neubauer J. Exome analysis focusing on epilepsy-related genes in children and adults with sudden unexplained death. Seizure 2023; 113:66-75. [PMID: 37995443 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic studies in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexplained death (SUD) cohorts have indicated that cardiovascular diseases might have contributed to sudden unexpected death in 20-35 % of autopsy-negative cases. Sudden unexpected death can also occur in people with epilepsy, termed as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The pathophysiological mechanisms of SUDEP are not well understood, but are likely multifactorial, including seizure-induced hypoventilation and arrhythmias as well as genetic risk factors. The sudden death of some of the SIDS/SUD victims might also be explained by genetic epilepsy, therefore this study aimed to expand the post-mortem genetic analysis of SIDS/SUD cases to epilepsy-related genes. METHODS Existing whole-exome sequencing data from our 155 SIDS and 45 SUD cases were analyzed, with a focus on 365 epilepsy-related genes. Nine of the SUD victims had a known medical history of epilepsy, seizures or other underlying neurological conditions and were therefore classified as SUDEP cases. RESULTS In our SIDS and SUD cohorts, we found epilepsy-related pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the genes OPA1, RAI1, SCN3A, SCN5A and TSC2. CONCLUSION Post-mortem analysis of epilepsy-related genes identified potentially disease-causing variants that might have contributed to the sudden death events in our SIDS/SUD cases. However, the interpretation of identified variants remains challenging and often changes over time as more data is gathered. Overall, this study contributes insight in potentially pathophysiological epilepsy-related mechanisms in SIDS, SUD and SUDEP victims and underlines the importance of sensible counselling on the risk and preventive measures in genetic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Buerki
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cordula Haas
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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5
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Elamin M, Lemtiri-Chlieh F, Robinson TM, Levine ES. Dysfunctional sodium channel kinetics as a novel epilepsy mechanism in chromosome 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2515-2527. [PMID: 37329181 PMCID: PMC10529833 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Duplication of the maternal chromosome 15q11.2-q13.1 region causes Dup15q syndrome, a highly penetrant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe autism and refractory seizures. Although UBE3A, the gene encoding the ubiquitin ligase E3A, is thought to be the main driver of disease phenotypes, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of the syndrome are yet to be determined. We previously established the necessity of UBE3A overexpression for the development of cellular phenotypes in human Dup15q neurons, including increased action potential firing and increased inward current density, which prompted us to further investigate sodium channel kinetics. METHODS We used a Dup15q patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell line that was CRISPR-edited to remove the supernumerary chromosome and create an isogenic control line. We performed whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology on Dup15q and corrected control neurons at two time points of in vitro development. RESULTS Compared to corrected neurons, Dup15q neurons showed increased sodium current density and a depolarizing shift in steady-state inactivation. Moreover, onset of slow inactivation was delayed, and a faster recovery from both fast and slow inactivation processes was observed in Dup15q neurons. A fraction of sodium current in Dup15q neurons (~15%) appeared to be resistant to slow inactivation. Not unexpectedly, a higher fraction of persistent sodium current was also observed in Dup15q neurons. These phenotypes were modulated by the anticonvulsant drug rufinamide. SIGNIFICANCE Sodium channels play a crucial role in the generation of action potentials, and sodium channelopathies have been uncovered in multiple forms of epilepsy. For the first time, our work identifies in Dup15q neurons dysfunctional inactivation kinetics, which have been previously linked to multiple forms of epilepsy. Our work can also guide therapeutic approaches to epileptic seizures in Dup15q patients and emphasize the role of drugs that modulate inactivation kinetics, such as rufinamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Elamin
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Fouad Lemtiri-Chlieh
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tiwanna M Robinson
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eric S Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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Whitney R, Sharma S, Jones KC, RamachandranNair R. Genetics and SUDEP: Challenges and Future Directions. Seizure 2023; 110:188-193. [PMID: 37413779 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of epilepsy-related deaths in children and adults with epilepsy. The incidence of SUDEP in children and adults is equal, approximately 1.2 per 1000-person years. Although inroads have been made in our understanding of SUDEP, its pathophysiology remains unknown. The most important risk factor for SUDEP is the presence of tonic-clonic seizures. Recently there has been growing interest in the contribution of genetic risk factors to SUDEP deaths. Pathogenic variants in epilepsy-related and cardiac genes have been found in some cases of SUDEP post-mortem. Pleiotropy may occur in which a single gene when altered may cause multiple phenotypes (i.e., epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmia). Recently it has been shown that some developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) may also be at heightened risk of SUDEP. In addition, polygenic risk has been postulated to effect SUDEP risk with current models evaluating the additive effect of variants in multiple genes. However, the mechanisms underpinning polygenic risk in SUDEP are likely more complex than this. Some preliminary studies also highlight the feasibility of detecting genetic variants in brain tissue post-mortem. Despite the advances in the field of SUDEP genetics, the use of molecular autopsy remains underutilized in SUDEP cases. Several challenges exist concerning genetic testing post-mortem in SUDEP cases, such as interpretation, cost of testing, and availability. In this focused review, we highlight the current landscape of genetic testing in SUDEP cases, its challenges, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Suvasini Sharma
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rajesh RamachandranNair
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Elamin M, Dumarchey A, Stoddard C, Robinson TM, Cowie C, Gorka D, Chamberlain SJ, Levine ES. The role of UBE3A in the autism and epilepsy-related Dup15q syndrome using patient-derived, CRISPR-corrected neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:884-898. [PMID: 36898382 PMCID: PMC10147551 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome (Dup15q) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by maternal duplications of this region. Autism and epilepsy are key features of Dup15q. UBE3A, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is likely a major driver of Dup15q because UBE3A is the only imprinted gene expressed solely from the maternal allele. Nevertheless, the exact role of UBE3A has not been determined. To establish whether UBE3A overexpression is required for Dup15q neuronal deficits, we generated an isogenic control line for a Dup15q patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell line. Dup15q neurons exhibited hyperexcitability compared with control neurons, and this phenotype was generally prevented by normalizing UBE3A levels using antisense oligonucleotides. Overexpression of UBE3A resulted in a profile similar to that of Dup15q neurons except for synaptic phenotypes. These results indicate that UBE3A overexpression is necessary for most Dup15q cellular phenotypes but also suggest a role for other genes in the duplicated region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Elamin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Aurelie Dumarchey
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Christopher Stoddard
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Tiwanna M Robinson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Christopher Cowie
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Dea Gorka
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Eric S Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
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8
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Status Epilepticus in Chromosomal Disorders Associated with Epilepsy: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020299. [PMID: 36833226 PMCID: PMC9956098 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Status Epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency resulting from the failure of mechanisms of seizure termination or from the initiation of mechanisms that lead to prolonged seizures. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) identified 13 chromosomal disorders associated with epilepsy (CDAE); data regarding SE occurrence in these patients is lacking. A systematic scoping review was conducted to outline current literature evidence about clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of SE in pediatric and adult patients with CDAE. A total of 373 studies were identified with the initial search; 65 of these were selected and regarded as SE in Angelman Syndrome (AS, n = 20), Ring 20 Syndrome (R20, n = 24), and other syndromes (n = 21). Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is frequently observed in AS and R20. No specific, targeted therapies for SE in CDAE are available to date; anecdotal reports about SE treatment are described in the text, as well as various brief- and long-term outcomes. Further evidence is needed to precisely portray the clinical features, treatment options, and outcomes of SE in these patients.
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Punt AM, Judson MC, Sidorov MS, Williams BN, Johnson NS, Belder S, den Hertog D, Davis CR, Feygin MS, Lang PF, Jolfaei MA, Curran PJ, van IJcken WF, Elgersma Y, Philpot BD. Molecular and behavioral consequences of Ube3a gene overdosage in mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:158953. [PMID: 36134658 PMCID: PMC9675564 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 15q11.2-q13.1 duplication syndrome (Dup15q syndrome) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, impaired motor coordination, and autism spectrum disorder. Chromosomal multiplication of the UBE3A gene is presumed to be the primary driver of Dup15q pathophysiology, given that UBE3A exhibits maternal monoallelic expression in neurons and that maternal duplications typically yield far more severe neurodevelopmental outcomes than paternal duplications. However, studies into the pathogenic effects of UBE3A overexpression in mice have yielded conflicting results. Here, we investigated the neurodevelopmental impact of Ube3a gene overdosage using bacterial artificial chromosome-based transgenic mouse models (Ube3aOE) that recapitulate the increases in Ube3a copy number most often observed in Dup15q. In contrast to previously published Ube3a overexpression models, Ube3aOE mice were indistinguishable from wild-type controls on a number of molecular and behavioral measures, despite suffering increased mortality when challenged with seizures, a phenotype reminiscent of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Collectively, our data support a model wherein pathogenic synergy between UBE3A and other overexpressed 15q11.2-q13.1 genes is required for full penetrance of Dup15q syndrome phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mattijs Punt
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthew C. Judson
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Michael S. Sidorov
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Brittany N. Williams
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Naomi S. Johnson
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Sabine Belder
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dion den Hertog
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Courtney R. Davis
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Maximillian S. Feygin
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Patrick F. Lang
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Mehrnoush Aghadavoud Jolfaei
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Patrick J. Curran
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Benjamin D. Philpot
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
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10
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Trivisano M, Muccioli L, Ferretti A, Lee HF, Chi CS, Bisulli F. Risk of SUDEP during infancy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:107896. [PMID: 33741238 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in children is influenced by different factors such as etiology, seizure type and frequency, treatment, and environment. A greater severity of epilepsy, in terms of seizure frequency, seizures type, especially with nocturnal generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), and resistance to anti-seizure medication are predisposing factors to SUDEP. Potential mechanisms of SUDEP might involve respiratory, cardiovascular, and central autonomic dysfunctions, either combined or in isolation. Patients with epilepsy carrying mutations in cardiac channelopathy genes might be disposed to seizure-induced arrhythmias. Other than in channelopathies, SUDEP has been reported in further patients with genetic epilepsies due to mutations of genes such as DEPDC5, TBC1D24, FHF1, or 5q14.3 deletion. Age-related electro-clinical differences in GTCS may therefore be relevant in explaining differences in SUDEP between adults and children. Typical GTCS represent a rare seizure type in infants and toddlers, they are characterized by a shorter tonic phase and, in direct proportion, by shorter postictal generalized EEG suppression (PGES). The presence of night-time supervision has been found to reduce SUDEP risk, likely reducing SUDEP incidence in children. Reconsideration of safety protocols in epilepsy monitoring units with the aim of reducing the risk of SUDEP, and the use of devices for seizure detection, might contribute to reduce the risk of death in patients affected by epilepsy. This article is part of the Special Issue "Severe Infantile Epilepsies".
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Epilepsies Unit, Department of Neurological Science, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Muccioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- Rare and Epilepsies Unit, Department of Neurological Science, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Hsiu-Fen Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Shiang Chi
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Tungs' Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Gu L, Yu Q, Shen Y, Wang Y, Xu Q, Zhang H. The role of monoaminergic neurons in modulating respiration during sleep and the connection with SUDEP. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112983. [PMID: 35453009 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death among epilepsy patients, occurring even more frequently in cases with anti-epileptic drug resistance. Despite some advancements in characterizing SUDEP, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of SUDEP, in order to identify possible targets for the development of new strategies to prevent SUDEP. Based on our previous research along with the current literature, we focus on the role of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and its related neural mechanisms to consider the possible roles of monoaminergic neurons in the modulation of respiration during sleep and the occurrence of SUDEP. Overall, this review suggests that targeting the monoaminergic neurons is a promising approach to preventing SUDEP. The proposed roles of SDB and related monoaminergic neural mechanisms in SUDEP provide new insights for explaining the pathogenesis of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeYuan Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - YuLing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - HongHai Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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12
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Hyperexcitable Phenotypes in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons From Patients With 15q11-q13 Duplication Syndrome, a Genetic Form of Autism. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:756-765. [PMID: 34538422 PMCID: PMC8571044 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosome 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome (Dup15q) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by duplications of the maternal copy of this region. In addition to hypotonia, motor deficits, and language impairments, patients with Dup15q commonly meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder and have a high prevalence of seizures. It is known from mouse models that synaptic impairments are a strong component of Dup15q pathophysiology; however, cellular phenotypes that relate to seizures are less clear. The development of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells provides a unique opportunity to study human neurons with the exact genetic disruptions that cause Dup15q. METHODS Here, we explored electrophysiological phenotypes in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from 4 patients with Dup15q compared with 6 unaffected control subjects, 1 patient with a 15q11-q13 paternal duplication, and 3 patients with Angelman syndrome. RESULTS We identified several properties of Dup15q neurons that could contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility. Compared with control neurons, Dup15q neurons had increased excitatory synaptic event frequency and amplitude, increased density of dendritic protrusions, increased action potential firing, and decreased inhibitory synaptic transmission. Dup15q neurons also showed impairments in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and homeostatic synaptic scaling. Finally, Dup15q neurons showed an increased frequency of spontaneous action potential firing compared with control neurons, in part due to disruption of KCNQ2 potassium channels. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data point to multiple electrophysiological mechanisms of hyperexcitability that may provide new targets for the treatment of seizures and other phenotypes associated with Dup15q.
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Shlobin NA, Sander JW. Reducing Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Considering Risk Factors, Pathophysiology and Strategies. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-021-00691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the commonest cause of epilepsy-related premature mortality in people with chronic epilepsy. It is the most devastating epilepsy outcome. We describe and discuss risk factors and possible pathophysiological mechanisms to elucidate possible preventative strategies to avert SUDEP.
Recent Findings
Sudden death accounts for a significant proportion of premature mortality in people with epilepsy compared to the general population. Unmodifiable risk factors include a history of neurologic insult, younger age of seizure-onset, longer epilepsy duration, a history of convulsions, symptomatic epilepsy, intellectual disability, and non-ambulatory status. Modifiable risk factors include the presence of convulsive seizures, increased seizure frequency, timely and appropriate use of antiseizure medications, polytherapy, alcoholism, and supervision while sleeping. Pathophysiology is unclear, but several possible mechanisms such as direct alteration of cardiorespiratory function, pulmonary impairment, electrocerebral shutdown, adenosine dysfunction, and genetic susceptibility suggested.
Summary
Methods to prevent SUDEP include increasing awareness of SUDEP, augmenting knowledge of unmodifiable risk factors, obtaining full seizure remission, addressing lifestyle factors such as supervision and prone positioning, and enacting protocols to increase the detection of and intervention for SUDEP. Further studies are required to characterize precisely and comprehensively SUDEP risk factors and pathophysiological drivers and develop evidence-based algorithms to minimize SUDEP in people with epilepsy.
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Shen Y, Ma HX, Lu H, Zhao HT, Sun JL, Cheng Y, Zhang HH. Central deficiency of norepinephrine synthesis and norepinephrinergic neurotransmission contributes to seizure-induced respiratory arrest. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 133:111024. [PMID: 33232929 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with intractable epilepsy. However, the pathogenesis of SUDEP seems to be poorly understood. Our previous findings showed that the incidence of seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) was markedly reduced by atomoxetine in a murine SUDEP model. Because the central norepinephrine α-1 receptor (NEα-1R) plays a vital role in regulating respiratory function, we hypothesized that the suppression of S-IRA by atomoxetine was mediated by NE/NEα-1R interactions that can be reversed by NEα-1R antagonism. We examined whether atomoxetine-mediated suppression of S-IRA evoked by either acoustic stimulation or pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in DBA/1 mice can be reversed by intraperitoneal (IP) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of prazosin, a selective antagonist of NEα-1R. The content and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme for NE synthesis, in the lower brainstem was measured by ELISA. Electroencephalograms (EEG) were obtained from using the PTZ-evoked SUDEP model. In our models, atomoxetine-mediated suppression of S-IRA evoked by either acoustic stimulation or PTZ was significantly reversed by low doses of IP and ICV prazosin. Neither repetitive acoustic stimulation nor S-IRA reduced TH levels in lower brainstem. However, the enzyme activity of TH levels in lower brainstem was significantly increased by mechanical ventilation with DBA/1 mice, which makes the dying DBA/1 mice suffering from S-IRA and SUDEP recover. EEG data showed that although the protective effect of atomoxetine was reversed by prazosin, neither drug suppressed EEG activity. These data suggest that deficient synthesis of NE and norepinephrinergic neurotransmission contributed to S-IRA and that the NEα-1R is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Hai Xiang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Han Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Ting Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jian Liang Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Hong Hai Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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Verducci C, Friedman D, Donner E, Devinsky O. Genetic generalized and focal epilepsy prevalence in the North American SUDEP Registry. Neurology 2020; 94:e1757-e1763. [PMID: 32217773 PMCID: PMC7282874 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess relative rates and clinical features of patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), focal epilepsy (FE), and developmental encephalopathic epilepsy (DEE) in the North American SUDEP Registry (NASR). Methods We identified all adjudicated definite, definite plus, and probable sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) cases (n = 262) and determined epilepsy type (GGE, FE, or DEE) from medical record review including history, imaging and EEG results, genetics, and next-of-kin interviews. Results Of the 262 SUDEP cases, 41 occurred in GGE, 95 in FE, 24 in DEE, and 102 were unclassifiable. GGE cases comprised 26% of NASR cases with an epilepsy syndrome diagnosis. The relative frequency of FE:GGE was slightly lower (2.3:1) than in population cohorts (2.1–6:1). Compared to patients with FE, patients with GGE had similar (1) ages at death and epilepsy onset and rates of (2) terminal and historical antiseizure medication adherence; (3) abnormal cardiac pathology; (4) illicit drug/alcohol use histories; and (5) sleep state when SUDEP occurred. Conclusions GGE cases were relatively overrepresented in NASR. Because GGEs are less often treatment-resistant than FE or DEE, seizure type rather than frequency may be critical. Many people with GGE predominantly have generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) when they have uncontrolled or breakthrough seizures, whereas patients with FE more commonly experience milder seizures. Future mechanistic SUDEP studies should assess primary and focal-to-bilateral GTCS to identify potential differences in postictal autonomic and arousal disorders and to determine the differential role that lifestyle factors have on breakthrough seizures and seizure types in GGE vs FE to effectively target SUDEP mechanisms and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Verducci
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (C.V., D.F., O.D.), New York University School of Medicine, New York; and Division of Neurology (E.D.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Friedman
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (C.V., D.F., O.D.), New York University School of Medicine, New York; and Division of Neurology (E.D.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Donner
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (C.V., D.F., O.D.), New York University School of Medicine, New York; and Division of Neurology (E.D.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (C.V., D.F., O.D.), New York University School of Medicine, New York; and Division of Neurology (E.D.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada.
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16
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Chahal CAA, Salloum MN, Alahdab F, Gottwald JA, Tester DJ, Anwer LA, So EL, Murad MH, St Louis EK, Ackerman MJ, Somers VK. Systematic Review of the Genetics of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Potential Overlap With Sudden Cardiac Death and Arrhythmia-Related Genes. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e012264. [PMID: 31865891 PMCID: PMC6988156 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.012264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of epilepsy-related death. SUDEP shares many features with sudden cardiac death and sudden unexplained death in the young and may have a similar genetic contribution. We aim to systematically review the literature on the genetics of SUDEP. Methods and Results PubMed, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, Ovid Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus were searched through April 4, 2017. English language human studies analyzing SUDEP for known sudden death, ion channel and arrhythmia-related pathogenic variants, novel variant discovery, and copy number variant analyses were included. Aggregate descriptive statistics were generated; data were insufficient for meta-analysis. A total of 8 studies with 161 unique individuals were included; mean was age 29.0 (±SD 14.2) years; 61% males; ECG data were reported in 7.5% of cases; 50.7% were found prone and 58% of deaths were nocturnal. Cause included all types of epilepsy. Antemortem diagnosis of Dravet syndrome and autism (with duplication of chromosome 15) was associated with 11% and 9% of cases. The most frequently detected known pathogenic variants at postmortem were in Na+ and K+ ion channel subunits, as were novel potentially pathogenic variants (11%). Overall, the majority of variants were of unknown significance. Analysis of copy number variant was insignificant. Conclusions SUDEP case adjudication and evaluation remains limited largely because of crucial missing data such as ECGs. The most frequent pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants identified by molecular autopsy are in ion channel or arrhythmia-related genes, with an ≈11% discovery rate. Comprehensive postmortem examination should include examination of the heart and brain by specialized pathologists and blood storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Anwar A. Chahal
- Mayo Clinic College of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Mohammad N. Salloum
- Internal MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiQueens Hospital CenterNew YorkNY
| | - Fares Alahdab
- Evidence‐Based Practice Research ProgramMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Division of Preventive, Occupational and Aerospace MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | | | - David J. Tester
- Mayo Clinic College of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics LaboratoryMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Lucman A. Anwer
- Mayo Clinic College of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- General SurgeryUIC/MGHChicagoIL
| | - Elson L. So
- Evidence‐Based Practice Research ProgramMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Mohammad Hassan Murad
- Evidence‐Based Practice Research ProgramMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Division of Preventive, Occupational and Aerospace MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Erik K. St Louis
- Mayo Clinic College of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of NeurologyMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Mayo Center for Sleep MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Michael J. Ackerman
- Mayo Clinic College of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics LaboratoryMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of PediatricsMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Virend K. Somers
- Mayo Clinic College of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMN
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Whitney R, Donner EJ. Risk Factors for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and Their Mitigation. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2019; 21:7. [PMID: 30758730 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-019-0547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW People with epilepsy have an increased risk of mortality when compared to the general population. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of epilepsy-related death in children and adults. The purpose of this review is to discuss SUDEP, with an emphasis on SUDEP risk factors, their mitigation and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS SUDEP affects approximately 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy each year. Recent studies suggest that the incidence in children is similar to that of adults. The most important risk factor for SUDEP is the presence and frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The presence of nocturnal supervision may decrease risk along with the use of nocturnal listening devices. Underlying genetic influences, both cardiac and epilepsy-related may further alter risk. Risk mitigation strategies include reducing seizure frequency, optimizing therapy, and the use of nocturnal supervision/seizure detection devices. Risk factors for SUDEP are well established; however, pediatric specific risk factors have not been identified. Current prevention strategies are focused on reduction of risk factors and the possible role of seizure detection devices. More research is needed to better understand the varied underlying pathological mechanisms and develop targeted prevention strategies. Further understanding the genetic factors that influence SUDEP risk may potentially aid in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J Donner
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada.
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Saxena A, Jones L, Shankar R, McLean B, Newman CGJ, Hamandi K. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in children: a focused review of incidence and risk factors. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:1064-1070. [PMID: 29632029 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-317702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in children, although rare, needs critical attention given the tragic nature and devastating consequences for families and caregivers. True incidence is unknown and risk factors are not completely understood, more so in children compared with adults. A focused narrative review of available studies on paediatric SUDEP was undertaken to comprehend its risk factors and to develop strategies to recognise and where possible modify SUDEP risk and ultimately reduce incidence. We reviewed 16 population-based studies from various settings. We found overlapping risk factors from different studies. The prime risk factor is uncontrolled seizures. This review supports the view that children entering adolescence with optimal seizure control could be a key aspect in reducing adult mortality related to SUDEP. Ideally, clinicians would want to be able to predict prospective, individualised SUDEP risk, which is challenging due to a myriad of risk factors and an inherent non-homogeneous paediatric epilepsy population. Nevertheless, an adequate evidence base exists as evidenced by this review to support information giving and communication to support young people with epilepsy and their families in being active partners in recognising and reducing their SUDEP risk. More work particularly in the form of prospective studies and registries are needed to further clarify true incidence which may have been previously underestimated and to update risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Saxena
- The Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | - Craig G J Newman
- Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, UK
| | - Khalid Hamandi
- Wales Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Cardiac arrhythmia and neuroexcitability gene variants in resected brain tissue from patients with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). NPJ Genom Med 2018; 3:9. [PMID: 29619247 PMCID: PMC5869741 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-018-0048-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of epilepsy-related mortality in young adults. The exact mechanisms are unknown but death often follows a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. Proposed mechanisms include seizure-related respiratory, cardiac, autonomic, and arousal dysfunction. Genetic drivers underlying SUDEP risk are largely unknown. To identify potential SUDEP risk genes, we compared whole-exome sequences (WES) derived from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded surgical brain specimens of eight epilepsy patients who died from SUDEP with seven living controls matched for age at surgery, sex, year of surgery and lobe of resection. We compared identified variants from both groups filtering known polymorphisms from publicly available data as well as scanned for epilepsy and candidate SUDEP genes. In the SUDEP cohort, we identified mutually exclusive variants in genes involved in µ-opiod signaling, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-mediated synaptic signaling, including ARRB2, ITPR1, GABRR2, SSTR5, GRIK1, CTNAP2, GRM8, GNAI2 and GRIK5. In SUDEP patients we also identified variants in genes associated with cardiac arrhythmia, including KCNMB1, KCNIP1, DPP6, JUP, F2, and TUBA3D, which were not present in living epilepsy controls. Our data shows that genomic analysis of brain tissue resected for seizure control can identify potential genetic biomarkers of SUDEP risk. Gene variants associated with abnormal heart rhythm and neuronal excitability may increase the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is the most common cause of death directly related to epilepsy, but little is known about the risk factors and mechanisms through which seizures can lead to death. Daniel Friedman, Orrin Devinsky and colleagues at New York University Langone Medical Center, US, compared whole-exome sequences from brain tissue belonging to eight epilepsy patients who died from SUDEP and seven matched living controls who had brain tissue removed for epilepsy treatment. In the SUDEP cases they identified 13 rare gene variants involved in cardiac arrhythmia and excitatory neurotransmission as potential genetic biomarkers of SUDEP risk. Further understanding the genetic contribution to epilepsy-related mortality will help develop effective preventive strategies.
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Stanton T, Harding R, Gattone P, Friedman D, Geiger A, Devinsky O, Rosbeck KL, Vogel-Farley V, Meskis MA, Singer A, Miller AB, Miller I. Letter re: Practice guideline summary: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy incidence rates and risk factors: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Neurology 2017; 89:2213-2214. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Donner EJ, Camfield P, Brooks L, Buchhalter J, Camfield C, Loddenkemper T, Wirrell E. Understanding Death in Children With Epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 70:7-15. [PMID: 28242084 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Death in children with epilepsy is profoundly disturbing, with lasting effects on the family, community, and health care providers. The overall risk of death for children with epilepsy is about ten times that of the general population. However, the risk of premature death for children without associated neurological comorbidities is similar to that of the general population, and most deaths are related to the cause of the epilepsy or associated neurological disability, not seizures. The most common cause of seizure-related death in children with epilepsy is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is relatively uncommon in childhood, but the risk increases if epilepsy persists into adulthood. Although the direct cause of SUDEP remains unknown, most often death follows a generalized convulsive seizure and the risk of SUDEP is strongly related to drug-resistant epilepsy and frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The most effective SUDEP prevention strategy is to reduce the frequency of seizures, although a number of seizure detection devices are under development and in the future may prove to be useful for seizure detection for those at particularly high risk. There are distinct benefits for health care professionals to discuss mortality with the family soon after the diagnosis of epilepsy. An individual approach is appropriate. When a child with epilepsy dies, particularly if the death was unexpected, family grief may be profound. Physicians and other health care professionals have a critical role in supporting families that lose a child to epilepsy. This review will provide health care providers with information needed to discuss the risk of death in children with epilepsy and support families following a loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Donner
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Peter Camfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Linda Brooks
- The SUDEP Institute, Epilepsy Foundation, Landover, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Buchhalter
- Department of Paediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carol Camfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tobias Loddenkemper
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Madan N, Carvalho KS. Neurological Complications of Cardiac Disease. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2017; 24:3-13. [PMID: 28779863 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This article focuses on the complex interactions between the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Initially, we focus on neurological complications in children with congenital heart disease both secondary to the underlying cardiac disease and complications of interventions. We later discuss diagnosis and management of common syncope syndromes with emphasis on vasovagal syncope. We also review the diagnosis, classification, and management of children and adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Lastly, we discuss long QT syndrome and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), reviewing advances in genetics and current knowledge of pathophysiology of these conditions. This article attempts to provide an overview of these disorders with focus on pathophysiology, advances in molecular genetics, and current medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Madan
- From the Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Karen S Carvalho
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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Devinsky O, Hesdorffer DC, Thurman DJ, Lhatoo S, Richerson G. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: epidemiology, mechanisms, and prevention. Lancet Neurol 2016; 15:1075-88. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(16)30158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 369] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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